Bankruptcy Law Center

Learn filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, and whether it makes sense for you.

Understand what is involved in Chapter 13 bankruptcy and determine whether it is appropriate in your circumstances.

Find out about the rules and exemptions that may help you retain some of your property in bankruptcy.

Explore the options that can help you regain control of your finances before you file for bankruptcy.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I stop a foreclosure by filing for bankruptcy?
    Depending on how far along you are in the foreclosure process, filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy may help you to save your home, though this can be more difficult if you have filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
  • Will filing for bankruptcy eliminate my medical bills?
    Medical debt can be financially ruinous, and is one of the most common causes of bankruptcy. In most situations, medical debt will be discharged in bankruptcy, unlike some other forms of unsecured debt.
  • Can you file for bankruptcy more than once?
    You may file for bankruptcy more than once, though you should be aware that waiting periods apply to the different kinds of bankruptcy if you wish to have your debts discharged in the repeat filing.
  • How long will a bankruptcy stay on my credit history?
    A Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stay on your credit for seven years after you file and two to four years after the discharge, while a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit for 10 years after you file.
  • Will I lose my car if I file for bankruptcy?
    In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will generally not lose your car, and in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, state exemption laws and the amount of equity you have in the vehicle may prevent you from losing your car.
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Popular Topics
  • Automatic Stay
    As soon as you file for Chapter 7, 11, or 13 bankruptcy, an automatic stay protects you from bill collection efforts by most creditors, though some non-dischargeable debts will not be subject to the stay.
  • Credit Counseling
    Before filing for bankruptcy, individuals must complete a credit counseling course to learn about alternatives to bankruptcy, and must take a debtor education and money management course after filing.
  • Student Loan Debt
    Unless you can demonstrate in an adversary proceeding that repaying your student loans would cause you undue hardship, student loans are generally considered to be a non-dischargeable debt in bankruptcy.
  • Creditors’ Rights
    While creditors can challenge a debtor’s right to discharge, debts are repaid from the bankruptcy estate in order of priority, with things like child support and secured debt being the most important.
  • Adversary Proceedings
    Some disputes that arise in the course of a bankruptcy case, such as an allegation by a creditor or trustee that a debtor engaged in fraud, are best handled in a separate proceeding from the main case.
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